BY IAN CROUCH
Newcastle Police are urging residents living in Merewether and surrounding suburbs to ensure their homes and garages are locked after a spike in property theft.
Thieves have been targeting bicycles, even taking the front wheel of bikes chained to poles in public places and leaving the frame behind.
A 43-year-old man has been arrested and refused bail over two alleged break and enters and a stealing at Merewether, while a 39-year-old man was stopped by police after they found him with 3 bikes suspected of being stolen.
Police say despite the arrests, residents need to remain vigilant.
